Corfe Bluff

Ownership: ARC

Designation: SSSI, SPA, Ramsar

Restrictions:Open Access Land, please keep dogs on a lead.

Access: A351

Grid ref: SY 95146 82985

The Reserve

Located directly opposite Norden Farm, Corfe Bluff is a 7 hectare site of largely dry heath grading down to a large pond surrounded by wetter areas of purple moor-grass. The reserve is home to all six species of reptile but especially good for sand lizards and adders. Other species of interest on the site include Hornet Robberfly and Oil beetle. Corfe Bluff is also a great place to see migrant birds and butterflies as they arrive or depart to continental Europe and Africa.

A Little History

Once part of the Norden heath complex, but now separated from that site by the A 351, Corfe Bluff was previously owned by English China Clay and used to be worked for ball clay. The resulting varied topography has proved beneficial for many aspects of wildlife.

Nestled within the Thames Basin Heaths SPA, Chatley Heath is an internationally important area for birds, and provides a haven for our native reptiles, which can also now expand into the newly restored adjacent heathland at Ockham Common.

Part of a landscape network of connected sites managed by organisations including Waverley Council and the National Trust this site supports all six native reptile species after successful reintroductions of sand lizards and smooth snakes.